After winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 7, the San Jose Sharks made it quite clear that consensus top pick Macklin Celebrini is the player they want with the No. 1 overall selection at the NHL Draft on June 28.
“It’s a big moment for the organization and the fans here to be able to draft someone like Macklin,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier told ESPN. “It was a tough year for us and to have this opportunity, we couldn’t be more excited.”
So, not surprisingly, the 17-year-old center, known for his offensive flair and two-way play, will be the top pick in 2024.
But after Macklin, who’s going where?
Let’s examine more closely with our 2024 NHL Mock Draft 2.0, following the lottery and first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Related: 2024 NHL Draft order: top prospects, dates, more
1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, Center, Boston University (NCAA)
Celebrini is the consensus No. 1 overall pick, and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top college hockey player during his freshman season at Boston University, becoming the youngest player to do so. Celebrini was also named the Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, and Hockey East Scoring Champion, putting up a stat line of 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 38 games played. He has drawn comparisons to Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews for being a complete two-way player with offensive talent and a strong defensive work ethic. The Sharks get a player who is strong, skilled, and shows speed. Celebrini will form a solid tandem one day down the middle with Will Smith which could transform the Sharks into a contender, even if that’s still a few years away.
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivan Demidov, Right Wing, SKA-1946 (MHL)
The Blackhawks got their franchise center and sniper last year in Connor Bedard, who can amass big point totals when given talent around him. Demidov is a player who can keep up with Bedard’s creativity. The skilled winger regularly draws pressure to create passing lanes via his puck skills and competitiveness. In 30 games in the MHL this season, he recorded 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points before adding another 11 goals and 17 assists during 15 playoff games. Pairing him with Bedard could lead to great success for Chicago for the next decade. A lower-body injury saw his incredible MHL playoff run where he was averaging two points per game come to an end.
3. Anaheim Ducks: Artyom Levshunov, Defenseman, Michigan State (NCAA)
Anaheim has been building up their prospect pool in recent years. The addition of Cutter Gauthier gives them a one-two punch down the middle with Leo Carlsson to be flanked with talented wingers. Mason McTavish can also play center or on the wing. Levshunov could fill a need on the blueline as a big, physically gifted defender who is considered a top prospect in this year’s draft due to his passing and puck handling. As long as he is taken with one of the first eight picks, Levshunov will become the highest-drafted player from Belarus. Turning 19 in October, the right-shot defenseman is older than some of the top prospects in the 2024 class, which could help him get to the NHL quicker, though he is expected to return to the Spartans for his sophomore season. His game has everything scouts want in a high-end defender from size, mobility and puck-moving skills. Levshunov projects as a top-pairing defender, which might help to alleviate some of the pressure on prospect Olen Zellweger.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, Center, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Columbus has a bit of a need down the middle despite having Adam Fantilli and Cole Silinger. Cayden Lindstrom projects as a special player and power center who could be taken early. He engages defensively, wins puck battles, transports the puck well, and displays a solid shot. Lindstrom is a big center who uses his strength and 6-foot-3 frame to bully opponents at the junior level. An excellent skater who can get around or through defenders regularly. He scored 27 goals and 19 assists for 46 points in 32 games with the Tigers this season.
5. Montreal Canadiens: Berkley Catton, Center, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Montreal has a solid group of defensemen coming up in the organization with Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, Jayden Struble, and Logan Mailoux. The Canadiens need to build their forward depth, especially down the middle. Berkly Catton is considered to be one of the best players in the Western Hockey League (WHL). His skating, passing, and puck-handling skills make him a well-rounded player, who appears to be a lock to be taken in the top 10 this year. Catton possesses the edgework and all-around game to be a top-six center. Catton scored 54 goals and 62 assists for 116 points in 68 games this season, which was fourth in WHL scoring. He was considered to be the best player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. While not a big forward at 5-foot-11 and 163 pounds, Catton has the skills to be a top-five selection.
6. Utah: Zane Parekh, Defenseman, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Defense is an area the Utah franchise will want to upgrade its prospect pool, especially on the right side. Parekh is a high-scoring right-shot defenseman from the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), who has a boatload of offensive talent, and could be an exciting choice as the first selection in Utah’s NHL history. He opens up opportunities with his hockey sense and standout shot. A strong skater who is capable of changing direction almost instantaneously, Parekh also has high-end puck handling skills when eluding forechecks and pressure. Parekh is a goal scorer, who had 33 goals and 63 assists for 96 points in 66 games played this season.
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7. Ottawa Senators: Anton Silayev, Defenseman, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Silayev is one of the top defensemen in the draft with imposing size (6-foot-7) who plays a physical style. A good stabilizing presence on the left side. with the size, mobility, and reach to shut down opponents, Silayev is signed through the 2025-26 season in Russia, which gives him time to develop his offensive game as he finished this season with only three goals and eight assists in 63 games for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL.
8. Seattle Kraken: Carter Yakemchuk, Defenseman, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Yakemchuk is a big defender who scored 30 goals in the WHL this past season with the Calgary Hitmen, becoming the first draft-eligible defenseman to do so in 22 years. He is a top player who impresses with his competitiveness and shot power. While his defensive game may be lacking at times, Yakemchuk has massive upside on the right side. Seattle doesn’t have many high-end options on the blue line, so taking a defenseman should be the play with this pick.
9. Calgary Flames: Tij Iginla, Right Wing, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Son of Hockey Hall of Famer Jerome Iginla, Tij became a top prospect in the WHL thanks to his shot, which will scare NHL goalies for years to come. If Iginla is still available by the time Calgary is on the board, it’s hard to imagine him being passed over by the Flames. If the organization does indeed select Iginla, it wouldn’t be due to nepotism. His puck skills can beat defenders one-on-one. Tij is a player who will out-work everyone around him, and does a lot of the little things which make pros successful. He can defend and has built a reputation of being difficult to play against.
10. New Jersey Devils: Zeev Buium, Defenseman, Denver University (NCAA)
The younger Buium has been impressive all year with the Pioneers on their way to capturing the national championship, scoring 50 points in 42 games. Zeev’s performance in the Frozen Four, along with winning gold with the United States in both the Under-18 World Championships in 2023 and 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships has seen his stock rise. A complete defender with a two-way game capable of playing big minutes on a NHL team’s top four. Zeev excels as a passer and puck handler, and is a defensively responsible player who has shown he is worth a high pick.
Related: 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Predictions for each second-round series
11. Buffalo Sabres: Adam Jiricek, Defenseman, HC Skoda Plzen (Czech Extraliga)
Jiricek will be an interesting prospect to watch at the draft, as he was looking to be a top-10 pick until sustaining a season-ending injury at the WJC. He is a big-body skater who moves the puck efficiently. The raw potential is there and Jiricek has played professional hockey at a young age due to his ability to handle pressure. The Sabres won’t rush Jiricek onto their roster, but if he falls to them, he could bolster the right side of their blue line with potential partners on the left in Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, or Bowen Byram.
12. Philadelphia Flyers: Konsta Helenius, Center/Right Wing, Jukurit (Liiga)
Helenius was a standout player on Finland’s U-20 team. He’s a strong two-way forward who could play center and has good playmaking skills which project well on the power play. His skating creates space in the offensive zone. The Flyers are continuing their rebuild and need to add talent. There is a need for young forwards in the pipeline after trading Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim. Helenius is a good, versatile forward who could fit what Philadelphia is trying to do.
13. Minnesota Wild: Sam Dickinson, Defenseman, London Knights (OHL)
Dickinson projects as a dependable, two-way player who moves incredibly well. He is a standout player with a strong slap shot and high motor. Some believe Dickinson can be the best defenseman in this draft class. He hits hard and has the size and mobility which scouts and teams look for in a prospect. With the amount of talent in this year’s draft among defenseman, he would likely be taken higher in other seasons. He scored 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 68 games with London in the Ontario Hockey League this season. After Calen Addison didn’t work out for the Wild, general manager Bill Guerin could look to try again with Dickinson.
14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins): Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Forward, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
A Norwegian forward who appeared for Mora IK of the HockeyAllsvenskan in Sweden, Brandsegg-Nygard might be the most NHL-ready player in the 2024 draft. He outworked his opponents on a nightly basis in Sweden’s second-tier professional league, winning many puck battles with his high motor. A versatile winger who plays a pro-style game and is on the right side of the puck for most of his ice time, Brandsegg-Nygard was a force for Norway at the World Juniors, and showed he can play up and down the lineup. His 200-foot game can ease the defensive burden down the line for an offensive-minded center such as Will Smith.
15. Detroit Red Wings: Cole Eiserman. Left Wing, USNTDP (USHL)
Eiserman is a strong skater and high-end scorer. Though his stock has fallen a bit this year, Eiserman is considered to be one of the better pure scores in this draft class. His skill in getting shots off from unlikely angles makes him a true sniper, having scored 25 goals in 24 games during USHL play this season. He is elite on the power play. He broke Cole Caufield’s scoring record for the USNTDP with 127 goals. Eiserman is committed to Boston University, where many scouts hope he can round out the completeness of his game.
16. St. Louis Blues: Liam Greentree, Right Wing, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Greentree is a big winger (6-foot-2, 198 pounds) with below-average skating speed, though he does most things well, such as winning puck battles, making smart passes, and handling defensive responsibilities. His skill with the puck is noteworthy, though his greatest strength is his NHL-quality shot. Greentree deals with defenders leaning on him as well as any player in the draft class. He has size, excellent vision, and good hands. Though he had a disappointing U-18 World Championships, there is significant potential to his game. With the Windsor Spitfires this season, Greentree scored 36 goals and 54 assists for 90 points in 64 games. He needs to improve his acceleration, as the biggest barrier to NHL success right now is skating.
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17. Washington Capitals: Igor Chernyshov, Left Wing, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)
A noticeable power forward who got better as the season went on, and was one of the best in his age group. According to Rachel Doerrie of ESPN, “Chernyshov is a straightforward player who attacks defenders off the rush and has the skill and shot to be a serious problem. He needs to round out his game to become a more consistent threat, but if he can add some manipulation and deception with the puck, there is top-six upside.” Chernyshov is under contract with Dynamo through next season.
18. New York Islanders: Michael Hage, Center, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Hage rose to 10th on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of this year’s top North American skaters. He led the Steel with 33 goals and 75 points in 54 games, finishing fourth among all USHL scorers. Hage has natural skill and excellent skating to go along with elite vision in the offensive zone. Should the Islanders select Hage, he would instantly become their top prospect in an otherwise low-end pipeline. Hage is committed to the University of Michigan, where he will look to build upon an already dangerous shot and detail-oriented work ethic.
19. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly, Left Wing, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Connelly had a terrific season, leading the Storm with 31 goals and 47 assists for 78 points in 52 games to finish second among USHL skaters. The 6-foot-1, 161-pound winger is ranked sixth among North American skaters. Off-ice issues hang over him though, and his ejection in the gold medal game of the U-18 World Championship ultimately helped sink the United States. Connelly is committed to Providence College.
20. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning), Beckett Sennecke, Right Wing, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Sennecke is ranked 13th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-foot-2, 181-pounder was fifth among Generals skaters with 27 goals and third in scoring with 68 points. Sennecke was a standout in the OHL playoffs, scoring 10 goals and 12 assists as the Generals won the Bobby Orr Trophy. He skates well for his size, and is an underrated passer who isn’t afraid of getting physical to win battles for the puck.
21. Los Angeles Kings: Sacha Boisvert, Center, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The University of North Dakota commit had 36 goals and 68 points in 61 USHL games. He does many things well, showcasing his athleticism while logging a ton of minutes. Boisvert reads plays well and has an accurate shot release. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic said about Bosivert: “Add in some competitiveness and a two-way commitment and there’s a lot to like. He’s got to put some more weight (6-foot-2, 179 pounds) on and improve in the faceoff circle but there’s a projectable game there with the right development/refinement and I’m confident the staff at North Dakota will do a good job with him.”
22. Nashville Predators: Terik Parascak, Right Wing, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
A scoring winger who finished No. 15 on NHL Central Scouting’s final ranking of North American skaters. The 6-foot-1, 173-pound winger tore up his first full season in the WHL with 43 goals and 62 assists for 105 points to finish eighth in WHL scoring. He is slippery and hard to defend with a finishing skill comparable to Zach Hyman.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs: Aron Kiviharju, Defenseman, HIFK (Liiga)
At only 5-foot-9 and 170 lbs, Kiviharju is a small but talented puck-moving defenseman. The 18-year old blueliner is ranked eighth among international skaters by NHL Central scouting despite missing most of the season due to injury. His speed, passing, and ability to generate offense from the point have been praised. The time playing against professionals in Finland should help to further develop his skills as he prepares for an NHL career.